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Fear of being alone

JackieM1961
JackieM1961 Member Posts: 1 Member

my mother has maybe stage 6 dementia and she is terrified of being alone, to the point where I can’t go into the bathroom without her. I don’t mind bringing her with me, or keeping her in eyesight at all times (which she needs for safety reasons anyway) but the terror and anxiety she is feeling is gut wrenching. I hold her and tell her I love her, I’m not going anywhere, and that I’m sorry she’s going through this, and ask her if she’s scared to which she starts crying and says yes, she’s very scared. I feel absolutely devastated because I don’t want her in pain. Has anyone else gone through this? If so, is this a stage of dementia that lasts for a while and then gets worse and isn’t scared anymore? Any suggestions you have for me to comfort her and give her peace? So far this has been the absolute worst stage and my heart is breaking for her.

Comments

  • JulietteBee
    JulietteBee Member Posts: 164
    100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    I have no personal experience with that but am truly sorry to hear of your mom's anxiety. Maybe her doctor could prescribe a mild anti-anxiety med and maybe playing Christian music or classical music throughout the day will help.

    I have my mom's Alexa Show play Christian music from Pandora throughout the day. Her complaint though, is that she feels alone. I figure the music will give her other voices to hear over the sometimes deafening silence.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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